Hypha

Last Updated: January 5, 2017

Definition - What does Hypha mean?

A hypha is a single filament in a fungus that can
reproduce either sexually or asexually. A hypha tends to grow at its tip. An
external assembly happens during this process, whereby the cell walls are
extended. In fungus, the different hyphae are classified into different
singular septum cells known as septa. These enable nuclei, mitochondria, and
ribosomes to pass through.

MaximumYield explains Hypha

Not all fungi form hyphae. Yeast, for example, is a single-celled fungus. Consequently, it does not produce hyphae.

According to a 1988 study carried out by Smith and Gianinazzi-Pearson, the fungus’ hyphae can be considered as a determining factor as far as the mycorrhizal performance is concerned, which increases the soil volume, hence boosting phosphorus flow to the roots.

In some cases, environmental factors such as
electric fields may affect the direction in which hyphae grow.